Hi everyone. I'm getting close to my 43rd birthday and am determined to lose 50 pounds. I found this site and love how supportive everyone seems to be. I've started an exercise program and am only 1 week in. Does anyone have any words of wisdom or encouragement to keep me on the right path?

I'd also LOVE to know how some of you created the tracker that you have across the bottom of your posts.

Hi! The tracker is available once you have 20 posts and have been a member for a certain period of times, a month, maybe?

My words of wisdom are that 50 pounds in a year is reasonable, given a solid commitment (and I suppose assuming that you are carrying that much excess weight). What are your exercise plans? Do you plan to make any dietary changes, too?

I started exercising last year by doing the Couch to 5K program. I lost 25 lbs doing that and dieting (nothing drastic, just being smart) last fall and kept it off this entire year. In June, I joined a gym (something I thought I'd never do) and have been going three times a week at crazy-o-clock in the morning for a BodyPump (weight lifting/cardio) class. Have not lost any additional weight thus far, but have dropped some sizes in clothes back into the "regular" sizes.

Probably the best things I did to stick with this have been:

1) Food journaling. There are a bunch of great web sites and free smartphone apps that are easy to use. If it goes in your mouth, it goes in the journal.

2) Find a way to make yourself accountable. This is different for everyone. For me, it's telling my boyfriend or alerting my facebook feed that I'm going to the gym. My first 25 lbs was lost with the help of a 2 month weight loss challenge where I won $100

3) Become friends with your scale. The scale is not the enemy, but ignorance is definitely not bliss. Everyone is different here in the frequency of weighing themselves. I weigh myself every morning, just as a reminder of where I am and where I want to be. It's how I've maintained my initial loss this year, even off an official diet.

4) Invest in a good quality sports bra and good quality shoes. I got fitted for running shoes at a running shop and it was the best decision I ever made. In addition, a good sports bra will make exercise tolerable. Don't just go to Target and buy off the rack, do some research on brands and be prepared to pay a little extra-- but it's soooo worth it.

5) 3FC is a great resource. People here "get" it. So don't hesitate to chime in and make friends.

Thank you for the welcoming comments and the great advice. I loved hearing that Liadain lost her first 25 pounds using Couch to 5K. I am in week 2 of that program, and it's nice to hear that it worked for someone!

Thirteen years ago I lost 160 pounds and kept it off for11 years. In the past 2 years I've allowed some to creep back on. ARGH! I'm kicking myself! It's amazing how much more difficult it is to lose weight in my 40's.

For food, I'm not going on a "diet". I am just eating healthy foods in smaller portions. My diet will consist primarily of fruits and vegetables, as well as lean protein.

For me, the problem is motivation and being accountable to someone. None of my friends are very good at that - no one wants to make me feel bad.

I started on 8.15.13 at 179.9 pounds. I'm also measuring inches. I can't wait until I can get a tracker along the bottom of my posts. I love visuals.

I can't recommend C25K highly enough! It's such an amazing program. And it makes a runner out of you, even if you hate (or thought you hated) running. Definitely get fitted at a runners' shop for shoes if you can. It helps avoid injury and makes it more comfortable

I'm actually posting under a new profile (as I wanted to remain incognito for a surprise weight loss when I see him at Christmas), so like you, I'm not able to PM on here yet (or add a tracker). Why don't you keep us updated in this thread? I'd be happy to be your online cheerleader

I love and hate c25k! I definitely haven't gotten to the point where I enjoy it, and it is absolutely killing me. However, I just finished week 2 and I have lost a total of 4.7 lbs. Yeah! Also, a total of 3.75 inches. Woo-Hoo!

I too am a huge proponent of the C25K plan. I worked through it in 2011. I just ran another 5K last night. 5K is no longer daunting. (disclaimer: I jog, hard to say I actually RUN at my 12 min/mile pace) Stick with it, and you won't regret it!!!

That's funny you say that June, DH was saying how I was going to leave him behind, I'm like, did you see how "fast" my run is? But it's my run and I own it, I love it. glad to hear so many endorsements of c25k, when I was a young pup I ran 3 miles a day, will love to get back to that.

__________________If I'm not willing to put in any more work, then I have to be satisfied with the results I've achieved. If I'm not satisfied with the results I've acheived I have to put in more work. - Kaplods

Thanks to Diana and GardenerJoy for threads that keep me going month after month!

Success leaves clues, look at what the people you admire are doing to succeed.

I run 5 miles to 10K a day. But my diet is the most important thing because I can eat so much I could never run it off.

But you've lost a lot before so you have got this.

It's all about low calorie protein and, when you are ready, busting it with the exercise.

__________________Running because of DianaBelieving because of SueElvis lives!Getting fashion advice from SumReillyJ and Carpediem saved my knees!Don't believe the hype. EAT MORE FISH.If the bar ain't bendin', you're just pretendin'!

You're right Ian, when I was younger and jogging 3 miles a day I got to where I felt I could eat whatever I wanted, when the jogging slowed down the weight gain started, so good eating habits are super important (I'm 50, still feel 40-something...lol)

Best to all

__________________If I'm not willing to put in any more work, then I have to be satisfied with the results I've achieved. If I'm not satisfied with the results I've acheived I have to put in more work. - Kaplods

Thanks to Diana and GardenerJoy for threads that keep me going month after month!

Success leaves clues, look at what the people you admire are doing to succeed.